Jobs are the lifeblood for national economies and family budgets. The search for economic opportunity often drives people to move around the globe. The most educated and highly skilled workers are in demand, and immigration policies often reflect that priority. Less skilled would-be immigrants, however, are often subject to tighter restrictions – even in nations where native citizens refuse to take on harvesting, construction, cleaning or other difficult tasks. Advanced technology reduces the need for labor; employers also rely on outsourcing, contract workers and the internet for digital work, including tax preparation, X-ray analysis or graphic design. Nations fiercely compete for jobs while multinational corporations reduce labor costs to increase profits.

Indians Pursue Portuguese Passports as an Entree to Europe

Indians from Goa with Portuguese passports have access to all EU states.
James Brooke
June 8, 2003

Easterners Fight for Shorter Working Hours, but 35-Hour Workweek is a Myth

More workers down tools after steel employees win concessions.
Heidi Sylvester
June 13, 2003

Controlling the Flow

The rapid rise in African migrants seeking refuge in Europe featured prominently at the European Union summit meeting last week.
Gamal Nkrumah
June 27, 2003

Making Trinkets in China, and a Deadly Dust

China has emerged as Asia's leading exporter, but the workers who produce those goods are falling ill to fatal diseases.
Joseph Kahn
June 18, 2003

Mexico Seeks a Lasting Share of Aerospace Boom

For companies in a hurry to deliver to the US market, Mexico offers location
Joel Millman
November 28, 2007